What To Serve With Cod

As fish goes, cod is really substantial and versatile. It is delicate in flavor and not too overpowering. It is a really robust fish; it doesn’t break apart easily and is quite forgiving when cooking. You can really make your dish shine by knowing what to serve with cod. In this article, we will go through some really great suggestions to make preparing your favorite fish dish a breeze.

21 Sides Dishes For Cod

1. French Fries

Let’s start with one of the classics. Good old fish and chips are a staple for one reason. They really work well together. If you want to be all traditional, you can cut your French fries really thick. The secret is to dual fry your French fries. Giving them a prolonged soak in hot oil to soften them up. Allowing them to drain and cool, then finishing them off in hotter oil until they turn ever so slightly crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, go a bit more modern and use regular skinny fries.

2. Peas

Peas work really well with cod for several reasons. White fish can sometimes look just a little bland. A dash of color on the plate, along with a bit of texture, can really pick a dish up. Enter the humble pea. Sure, you could go for straightforward old peas, but why not add some sparkling flavors in the form of minty herby butter or a squeeze of lemon juice with some oil.

3. Lemony Mashed Potato

Lemon works really well with fish. The acidity cuts through the oily notes of the fish to significant effect. When combined with creamy potatoes, you have a match made in heaven. Simply mash your potatoes as you would usually, add a generous helping of butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a nice visual element, add the grated zest of the lemon too.

4. Tartar Sauce

Fish and tartar sauce are a great combo. While cod isn’t dry, it will benefit from an extra boost of creaminess. You get a great mixture of richness, acidity, and a hint of texture in the included pickles or capers. Tartar sauce is available almost everywhere. Alternatively, why not knock up a batch yourself? It will take you less than ten minutes.

5. Buttery New Potatoes

Potatoes and cod go together really well. If you’ve cooked a beautiful piece of fish, then you won’t want it to be overshadowed by something too complicated. Simple can be the best solution. Buttered new potatoes are easy to make and are quite filling, so they work well to create a more substantial fish dish. If you are being healthy and opting for baked fish, you can skip the butter altogether.

6. Mac n Cheese

You’ll often find fish baked with cheese. If you make your mac and cheese just right, you’ll create a creamy element that works as the perfect side dish for cod. If you are feeding a few, you will want to make your fish stretch a long way. This dish is super easy to prepare ahead of time. There might even be enough for leftovers the next day! Yum!

7. Baked Broccoli

Baked broccoli is a beautiful thing. When roasted, it loses some of its bite and takes on a softer note, extra points awarded for getting charring on the top of the florets. But we don’t want our broccoli boring. Spice it up with chopped chili pepper and a crushed clove of garlic. Heat your garlic and chili in a pan with a spoonful of butter and slowly cook until just soft. Bake your broccoli in a 290F oven for around 30 minutes, remove and toss with your fragrant butter before serving straight away!

8. Bacon

If there is one thing that we hate, it’s dried out and chewy fish. If there’s one thing we love its bacon, especially bacon with cod. Cod filet is a beautiful thing, but you’ve got to keep it moist and juicy. One way to do this is to wrap your code in bacon and roast for around 20 minutes until the bacon goes a little crispy. Cut through the crispness to get to the soft and succulent cod underneath, ah heaven!

9. Coleslaw

Following a similar theme to the tartare sauce, in a pinch, you could use coleslaw. It has creamy and saucy elements. Not to mention some delicious textures in the crunch of white cabbage, crispy carrots, and sweet onion. It is also a great way to keep your dish relatively light, without being boring.

10. Tomato Sauce

No, we don’t mean ketchup! Cod and tomato feature heavily in Mediterranean cuisine. Tomatoes are ever so slightly acidic and juicy. We like to go a little rustic with our tomato sauce. Cook cherry tomatoes in a saucepan with olive oil, garlic, and a teaspoon of sugar (trust us, it works). Once they begin to turn soft, use a wooden spoon to gently pulp and mash the tomatoes before stirring them into a thick sauce. Serve on top of your fish. Amazing.

11. Bread Buns

There’s plenty of fast-food outlets that serve fish burgers. Turn it up a level and make it slightly classier. A fried fish sandwich is the food of the gods. It is simple and easy. Slaver a bread bun with lashings of butter and perhaps a dollop of mayo. Add a fried fish filet (we like battered and crispy). Tuck in and enjoy.

12. Lemon Butter Asparagus

Lemon Butter Asparagus is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with cod. The asparagus is typically sautéed in butter until it’s tender-crisp, then finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The result is a dish that’s bright, buttery, and slightly tangy, complimenting the delicate flavor of the cod.

13. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a comforting and hearty side that can complement cod well. They’re made by boiling potatoes until tender, then mashing them with butter, milk, and roasted garlic. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that offers a comforting contrast to the light, flaky cod.

14. Couscous Salad

Couscous Salad is a light and refreshing side that can balance out a cod dish. It’s made by tossing cooked couscous with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette. This salad is not only versatile and customizable but also provides a delightful texture contrast to the soft cod.

15. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed Broccoli is a simple, nutritious side that pairs well with cod. The broccoli is steamed until tender, then seasoned with a bit of salt, pepper, and perhaps a squeeze of lemon. This side dish is not only low in calories but also high in fiber and vitamins, making it a healthy addition to a cod meal.

16. Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Rice is a low-carb side dish that can complement the flavor of cod without overpowering it. Cauliflower florets are processed until they resemble grains of rice, then lightly sautéed until tender. This dish is not only a healthier alternative to traditional rice but also a versatile base that can be flavored to suit your meal.

17. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a tasty and nutritious side dish that can enhance a cod meal. The sprouts are tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted until tender and caramelized. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts, providing a flavor contrast to the savory cod.

18. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries are a slightly healthier and more flavorful alternative to regular fries that go well with cod. The sweet potatoes are cut into fries, lightly coated in oil and seasoning, then baked until crispy. Their natural sweetness provides a great balance to the savory cod.

19. Grilled Zucchini

Grilled Zucchini is a quick and easy side dish that pairs excellently with cod. The zucchini is sliced, lightly coated in oil, and grilled until tender. Its mild flavor and light char from the grill complement the delicate taste of the cod without overpowering it.

20. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad is a protein-packed, nutritious side dish that can accompany a cod meal. Cooked quinoa is mixed with various vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing. This salad adds a variety of textures and flavors to your meal, while its lightness complements the flaky, light cod.

21. Sautéed Spinach

Sautéed Spinach is a quick, easy, and nutritious side dish that goes well with cod. The spinach is lightly sautéed in olive oil with garlic until just wilted. This side is not only low in calories but also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy pairing for cod.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you will have a few ideas for what to serve with cod. A lot of the elements above can be combined to make a multi-layered dish. Cod with potatoes and peas? Cod with bacon and baked broccoli? Whatever you opt for, we just know it will be delicious. What are your favorite cod recipes?